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This unique festival in Kellettville celebrates the annual emergence of over 15 species of firefly including the highly sought-after Synchronous Firefly in the Allegheny National Forest. The celebration kicks off at 12-noon with live music, food trucks, arts/crafts vendors, nature exhibits with the "experts", bug hunting for kids, and lots of Firefly merchandise. At 9 pm, the fireflies "take the stage" and the PAFF volunteer guides and interpreters will begin to lead firefly excursions. There is a $5 parking fee at the Black Caddis Ranch. Proceeds benefit the Amvets Post #113.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for the excursions. Space is limited to minimize the impact on the habitat and ensure the optimum experience for visitors. All tickets are Will-Call, no need to print. Pick up your wristband on arrival or by 8:30 PM at the Registration Tent. Wristbands which are not picked up by 8:30 will be surrendered to standby.
The tour choices range from $5 per person for the Creek Excursions and the Synchronous Viewing in the Forest, and $30 per person for the VIP Synchronous Experience. ALL the proceeds from the fees benefit PAFF and are used to fund educational programs, summer research interns. No REFUNDS or RAINCHECKS will be given. The *Creek Excursions are a 1.8-mile round trip walk. This is recommended for all ages and especially for young children who need an early evening event to see many different firefly species. The seven guided Creek Excursions will begin at 9:15 pm and leave every 15 minutes. The last trip leaves at 10:45 pm. Sturdy footwear and protective clothing are recommended.
The Synchronous Viewing is a 1/2-mile round-trip walk to bleacher seating for up to 40 people. This 20-25 minute show is recommended for the uninitiated, impatient, and/or urban dwellers who just want a "quick" view of Synchronous Fireflies. The PAFF volunteer guides and interpreters will be on-hand to answer questions. The first seating will start at 10:30 pm and the last seating will start at 11:30 pm and conclude at 12-midnight.
The *VIP Firefly Experience is limited to thirty (30) of the most serious and reverent firefly watchers. VIPs will be guided to a secluded synchronous firefly viewing area in the Allegheny National Forest, and have private firefly interpretive expert guides. This is a one-mile walk, round trip. Sturdy footwear is a must. You can expect to spend up to 90 minutes of uninterrupted firefly viewing. Walking sticks and camp chairs are encouraged. Dress appropriately for the weather. This is not intended for children under 12-years-old. No cell phones, flashlights, flash photography or pets will be permitted. *The VIP Experience and ALL Creek Excursions are currently SOLD OUT... BUT, Standy-By seating from any unclaimed tickets will be made available at the festival after 8:30 pm. The Stand-By queue will form at 8:30 pm near the registration tent.
The PA Firefly Festival is a rain or shine event. Come prepared for the weather. Fireflies are especially sensitive to nighttime temperatures, and if the temperatures fall below 50 degrees, they do not fly. In the event of heavy rain or severe thunderstorms, activities will be suspended. There are no refunds or rain checks for this event.
PAFF is a registered 501(c)3 whose all-volunteer board's mission is to educate the public and raise awareness about all the firefly species in NW Pennsylvania.
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LocationPA Firefly Festival @ Black Caddis Ranch in Kellettville (View)
13558 Route 666
TIONESTA, PA 16353
United States
Categories
Minimum Age: 5 |
Kid Friendly: Yes! |
Dog Friendly: Yes! |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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